This is an often-repeated piece of advice in certain circles that jointly caring for a canine companion following a split is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such situations impede individuals from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and prove frustrating for all parties. Seemingly, in a revelation worthy of a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the dogs themselves to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of our pets – pet parents attest to their remarkable empathy. For a standout portrayal in canine melancholy, consider another performance. There is little doubt that a dog such as Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by a talented dog named Gus, would have a hard time adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on such a setup holds water remains debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and under the guidance of Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims more profound than what it is. It functions as a Christmas movie from a corporate studio – the ambitions is limited. Its storyline unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a cheer-up vacation to a luxury pet hotel. There, inevitably, they will surely rediscover the idea that they should reunite. The supporting cast – played by a group of comedic actors – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. The film's look has the quality of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is obviously artificial – think fake snow clinging to green trees as North Carolina substitutes for a cold December city.
The Dog's Domain
How these predictable parts merge into a pleasant experience depends on the strength of the performances and an acceptance of easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv knows its audience – individuals who browse regularly for pet content. The film delivers a plethora of adorable dog montages. The primary selling point is the canine star, and though it results in some stilted moments between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie does offer canine party antics, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
The same praise does not extend for the human side of the story. The tone vacillates between serious study, zany antics, predictable love story, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a consistent feel. No blame falls on Charlie Cox, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the dog resort scenario. He brings a endearing lack of ego that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Zooey Deschanel, as is her trademark, injects a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her portrayal seems a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's genuine sadness. (On another note, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – not quite Messi from that acclaimed drama, he remains an excellent dog.)
Merv tries to provide depth to the couple's history for moments when the dog is absent – a bit of a pity, given that the title character is by far the best part of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The catalyst for their original breakup might seem more nuanced with less exposition and less blunt explanation. As it stands, Merv is light and sugary, meeting all its marks. Crafting a story about dog co-parenting has potential – though it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv becomes available on the Amazon platform this December.
